6.5 Creedmoor Load Data

Introduced in 2007 by Hornady in collaboration with Creedmoor Sports, the 6.5 Creedmoor was engineered by Dave Emary and Dennis DeMille to optimize long, high–ballistic-coefficient 6.5 mm bullets within short-action magazine constraints. Built off the .30 TC case with a 30-degree shoulder, the cartridge features efficient case geometry, reliable feeding, and consistent neck tension—attributes that quickly earned it a following in high-power and precision rifle circles. Its SAAMI maximum average pressure of 62,000 psi and short-action overall length (around 2.825 inches) make it broadly compatible with a wide range of bolt guns and AR-10–pattern rifles. Today, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a mainstream choice for competition, hunting, and general precision shooting, supported by abundant brass and bullet options.

For applications, the 6.5 Creedmoor shines anywhere accuracy and wind performance matter. In disciplines like PRS, NRL, and mid-to-long-range target shooting, reloaders value its manageable recoil, excellent barrel harmonics, and the availability of sleek 6.5 mm projectiles that carry energy and resist wind drift. The cartridge is equally at home in gas and bolt platforms, making it easy to build cross-compatible ammunition strategies within a collection. Barrel life is generally favorable for a modern 6.5 mm (often thousands of rounds, depending on heat and cadence), and the typical 1:8 twist stabilizes long-for-caliber bullets reliably. Brass is widely available in both standard (large rifle primer) and small rifle primer variants; keep those lots segregated and track your components for consistent results.

On target species, the 6.5 Creedmoor is versatile. Light, frangible bullets make it a flat-shooting choice for varmints and predators. For deer, antelope, and hogs, medium-weight controlled-expansion or bonded bullets provide excellent terminal performance with mild recoil that promotes precise shot placement. With premium bullet construction and responsible range selection, the cartridge can be pressed into service for larger game such as black bear or elk, though many hunters reserve the heaviest, toughest 6.5 mm bullets for this role. As always, match bullet design to the task: rapid-expansion options for small game and longer ranges, tougher construction for larger animals and closer-impact velocities.

Typical 6.5 Creedmoor bullet weights span roughly 95–160 grains, with the sweet spot for most reloaders in the 120–147 grain range. Varmint and practice loads often use 95–123 grain bullets; precision target and crossover hunting loads commonly feature 130–147 grain high-BC designs (G1 BCs frequently in the .5–.7 range). Factory performance typically runs from the high-2,600s to high-2,800s fps depending on bullet weight and barrel length, emphasizing efficiency over brute speed. The cartridge’s .473-inch case head, about 1.920-inch case length, modest case capacity, and long throat geometry support seating modern low-drag profiles while maintaining magazine length. A standard 1:8 twist is ideal, and consistent headspace control, brass prep, and component lot tracking help reloaders extract the accuracy potential that made the 6.5 Creedmoor a household name.